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A teardrop-shaped island nation off India’s southeast coast, Sri Lanka, rich in natural beauty and cultural splendors, is a world apart and offers a fantastic combination of tropical forests, beaches, otherworldly landscape, Buddhist ruins, and diverse wildlife. Sri Lanka is also a well-known producer of tea, coffee, coconuts, rubber, and native cinnamon; it’s home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites; and its animal and bird life abound.

A teardrop-shaped island nation off India’s southeast coast, Sri Lanka, rich in natural beauty and cultural splendors, is a world apart and offers a fantastic combination of tropical forests, beaches, otherworldly landscape, Buddhist ruins, and diverse wildlife. Sri Lanka is also a well-known producer of tea, coffee, coconuts, rubber, and native cinnamon; it’s home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites; and its animal and bird life abound.

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Our local guide was absolutely perfect!Gary Richter & Hue Gia Ngo

Itinerary

ADay 1Arrive Colombo & Transfer to Kandalama

On arrival at the Colombo International Airport, you will be met and transported to Kandalama, where the remainder of the day will be yours at leisure to rest from your travels and acclimate to this amazing country. You’ll be conveniently based here for the next four nights.

Meals

None

Lodging

Heritance Kandalama or similar

BDay 2Dambulla & Polonnaruwa

After breakfast, drive to Dambulla to visit the largest and best preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka. This World Heritage site consists of five caves that contain painting and statues related to Lord Buddha and his life. This temple complex dates back to the first century BC when King Valagamba sought refuge here, but there is evidence of prehistoric Sri Lankans living in the temples some 2700 years ago.

Later, transfer to Polonnaruwa, the island’s medieval capital (also a World Heritage Site), founded by King Vijayabahi I in the 10th century. Some of the ancient sites you’ll see here include the Gal Vihara Rock Temple to see the rock carved Buddhas, the Royal Palace complex ruins, the Alahana Pirivena Buddhist Temple complex and Thuparama, the best preserved ancient site in the city. From Parakrama Samudra (Sea of King Parakrama) Lake, you can see the remains of the Royal Palace.

Return to your hotel in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Heritance Kandalama or similar

CDay 3Anuradhapura & Mihintale

Today you will drive to Anuradhapura, the first capital and once the grandest city of ancient Ceylon, where Sinhalese kings ruled for more than a thousand years. It is the home of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and while there, you’ll visit several places of historical and archeological interest. For example, Sri Maha Bodhi (sacred bodhu tree), is more than 2,200 years old and the oldest documented tree in the world. It was brought to the site as a sapling, where Prince Siddhartha is said to have attained enlightenment. The Brazen Palace, built more than 2,000 years ago, is remarkable for its 1,600 stone columns, all that’s left of a magnificent nine-story home to more than 1,000 monks. Ruvanvelisaya, also more than 2,000 years old, is the most famous of all the dagobas, or Buddhist monuments. The Samadhi Buddha statue (4th century) depicts the Buddha in a state of “samadhi,” or deep meditation, and is one of the finest statues in the country. Isurumuniya rock temple (3rd century BC) is well known for its very fine, well-preserved rock carvings.

In the afternoon, head to the high rocky ruins of Mihintale, where Buddhism was first introduced more than 2,300 years ago. Climb a grand stairway of some 1,840 ancient granite steps to the summit from which there is a great panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. Along the way, the hillside is filled with shrines, sculptures, stupas, and rock dwellings.

Return to your hotel in Kandalama for your overnight.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Heritance Kandalama or similar

DDay 4Sigiriya

Today, you’ll climb the spectacular fifth century rock fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Sri Lanka’s most significant attractions. Built by King Kasyapa (477-495 AD), the “Lion Rock,” as it’s known, is a citadel of unusual beauty rising more than 650 feet above the jungle in a sheer and mysterious manner. The rock was initially the innermost stronghold of a large (175+ acre) fortified town that later became a monastic refuge in the 16th-17th centuries. It then fell into disrepair and was only rediscovered during 19th century British colonial rule. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens, including beautiful water gardens with royal bathing pools, moated islands, and pavilions, ring the base of the rock. While at the site, you’ll also visit the world-renowned frescoes of the “Heavenly Maidens” of Sigiriya in a sheltered rock niche approached by a spiral stairway. These frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster and, despite being only 22 of what were some 500 frescoes originally, are in remarkable condition, with colors still glowing brightly.

Note: Access to most of the rock is by stone steps. The final ascent to the top is via a series of metal staircases attached to the walls.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Heritance Kandalama or similar

EDay 5Drive to Kandy

In the morning, set out on a drive to Kandy (approx. 3 hrs), via a spice garden, where you will learn about different spices, including how they are grown and processed. Also, observe a demonstration to learn how the spices are used in traditional medicine of Sri Lankan dishes.

Afterward, continue on to Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Drive around the scenic Kandy Lake, built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasingha, in 1807. Explore the town including its bazaar, the arts and crafts center, a gem museum, and a lapidary as time permits. In the evening attend the Kandy Cultural show, a one hour show featuring traditional dances fire walking over hot coals. This is followed by a sunset ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth, a holy Buddhist temple that houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. You’ll see white-robed pilgrims making offerings to the relic in procession through the temple.

Overnight in Kandy at one of the best available hotels.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Viyana Boutique Hotel Kandy or similar

FDay 6Kandy Gardens & Temples

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll set off for the highly regarded Perandenya Botanical Gardens, famous for its orchid collection. Perandenya dates back to the 14th century during the reign of King Wickramabahu III and formerly established in 1843. Its a great place to take a leisure stroll and admire its more than 4,000 species of plants, flowers, spices, and trees.

Next, visit the three ancient 14th century Buddhist temples just outside of Kandy – Lankatilaka, Embekka, and Gadaladeniya. Lankatilaka Vihara, built by King Bhuvanekabahu IV, is considered to be the most impressive architectural structure built during the Gampola era. Embekka Devalaya was also built during the Gampola Era by King Vikramabahu III. This temple features beautiful carved wooden pillars and a roof in images of swans, eagles, elephants, female dancers, and lotus designs. Gadaladenyia Vihara, also known as Saddharmatilaka or Dharma Kirthi Viharaya, another temple built under the orders of King Bhuvanekabahu IV, is considered to be one of the largest rock temples in Sri Lanka. The architecture style of this temple is Dravidian with Sinhalese and other Indo-Chinese patterns incorporated into the design. During the 18th or 19th century, a tiled Sinhalese roof was added, concealing the flat roof and shikharas.

Return to your hotel in Kandy where you have the rest of the day free to relax, or head back into town to pick up some local items at the market such as handicrafts and paintings by local artists or Batik textiles.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Viyana Boutique Hotel Kandy or similar

GDay 7Nuwara Eliya

Depart for Nuwara Eliya, an old British village known for its location in the heart of tea-growing country, its invigorating mountain climate and scenery, and its quaint hilltop resort atmosphere. Along the way, stop at a tea plantation and tea factory, where it is said the best tea in the world is produced. Upon arriving in Nuwara Eliya, you’ll visit another tea factory and estate to learn all about the country’s tea industry. Sri Lanka’s highest mountain, Pidurutalagala (about 8,300 feet) is also located here. You’ll stay in the town of Nuwara Eliya for dinner and overnight.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Grand Hotel or similar

HDay 8Drive to Galle

After breakfast, you will depart for Galle, which was once the chief port of Ceylon (as Sri Lanka was named by the British), and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was and is still well known for its hand-made lace. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure, either for relaxing at your hotel or exploring on your own.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Galle Fort Hotel or similar

IDay 9Galle

You’ll spend some time exploring Galle including the Galle Fort, which was originally built by the Portuguese and later extended by the Dutch in 1663. The Old Galle Gate at the fort’s entrance bears the mark of the Dutch East India Company and leads to the National Maritime Museum, which contains exhibits of sea life including a whale skeleton and items salvaged from shipwrecks. The Galle National Museum displays exhibits from Sri Lankan artifacts such as ritual masks, wood-carvings, and items from the colonial period. The Galle Lighthouse (Pointe de Galle), the oldest lighthouse in Sri Lanka, sits at the southern edge of the fort. The Japanese Peace Pagoda is a unique Buddhist temple with a deck from where you can enjoy the views of the ocean. Just outside the fort is the Galle International Stadium where cricket matches are played.

Return to your hotel, where the rest of the day is free to do as you like.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Galle Fort Hotel or similar

JDay 10Sea Turtles & Folk Art

Sri Lanka is home to a number of endemic sea turtle species that aren’t found anywhere else in the world. Today, at the Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery in Habaraduwa, you’ll get up close and personal with some of these majestic creatures. The turtle farm breeds, releases, and rehabilitates sea turtles of all ages. Tour the sanctuary with one of their knowledgeable guides, who will teach you about the turtles. You may also even have the opportunity to hold and, with some luck, release the turtles into the ocean!

Afterwards, visit the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum, which includes the house where respected Sinhalese author Martin Wickramasinghe (1890–1976) was born. Exhibits are well displayed, with information in English, and with a good section on dance (including costumes and instruments), puppets, kolam (masked dance-drama) masks, carriages, and Buddhist artifacts. This is a great way to learn about Sri Lankan folk culture and the life of Martin Wickramasinghe. The Hall of Life tells the story of Wickramasinghe’s life through photographs, awards, and souvenirs.

Return to your hotel in Galle for your final night.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Galle Fort Hotel or similar

KDay 11Depart Sri Lanka

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in Colombo for your flight home (approx. 2.5 hrs), or perhaps onward for more adventures in this fascinating corner of the world. If your schedule permits, ask us for suggestions on extending your trip such as a few days of rest and relaxation on one of Sri Lanka’s west coast beaches.

Best Time of Year to Visit

Itinerary

ADay 1Arrive Colombo & Transfer to Kandalama

On arrival at the Colombo International Airport, you will be met and transported to Kandalama, where the remainder of the day will be yours at leisure to rest from your travels and acclimate to this amazing country. You’ll be conveniently based here for the next four nights.

Meals

None

Lodging

Heritance Kandalama or similar

BDay 2Dambulla & Polonnaruwa

After breakfast, drive to Dambulla to visit the largest and best preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka. This World Heritage site consists of five caves that contain painting and statues related to Lord Buddha and his life. This temple complex dates back to the first century BC when King Valagamba sought refuge here, but there is evidence of prehistoric Sri Lankans living in the temples some 2700 years ago.

Later, transfer to Polonnaruwa, the island’s medieval capital (also a World Heritage Site), founded by King Vijayabahi I in the 10th century. Some of the ancient sites you’ll see here include the Gal Vihara Rock Temple to see the rock carved Buddhas, the Royal Palace complex ruins, the Alahana Pirivena Buddhist Temple complex and Thuparama, the best preserved ancient site in the city. From Parakrama Samudra (Sea of King Parakrama) Lake, you can see the remains of the Royal Palace.

Return to your hotel in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Heritance Kandalama or similar

CDay 3Anuradhapura & Mihintale

Today you will drive to Anuradhapura, the first capital and once the grandest city of ancient Ceylon, where Sinhalese kings ruled for more than a thousand years. It is the home of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and while there, you’ll visit several places of historical and archeological interest. For example, Sri Maha Bodhi (sacred bodhu tree), is more than 2,200 years old and the oldest documented tree in the world. It was brought to the site as a sapling, where Prince Siddhartha is said to have attained enlightenment. The Brazen Palace, built more than 2,000 years ago, is remarkable for its 1,600 stone columns, all that’s left of a magnificent nine-story home to more than 1,000 monks. Ruvanvelisaya, also more than 2,000 years old, is the most famous of all the dagobas, or Buddhist monuments. The Samadhi Buddha statue (4th century) depicts the Buddha in a state of “samadhi,” or deep meditation, and is one of the finest statues in the country. Isurumuniya rock temple (3rd century BC) is well known for its very fine, well-preserved rock carvings.

In the afternoon, head to the high rocky ruins of Mihintale, where Buddhism was first introduced more than 2,300 years ago. Climb a grand stairway of some 1,840 ancient granite steps to the summit from which there is a great panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. Along the way, the hillside is filled with shrines, sculptures, stupas, and rock dwellings.

Return to your hotel in Kandalama for your overnight.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Heritance Kandalama or similar

DDay 4Sigiriya

Today, you’ll climb the spectacular fifth century rock fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Sri Lanka’s most significant attractions. Built by King Kasyapa (477-495 AD), the “Lion Rock,” as it’s known, is a citadel of unusual beauty rising more than 650 feet above the jungle in a sheer and mysterious manner. The rock was initially the innermost stronghold of a large (175+ acre) fortified town that later became a monastic refuge in the 16th-17th centuries. It then fell into disrepair and was only rediscovered during 19th century British colonial rule. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens, including beautiful water gardens with royal bathing pools, moated islands, and pavilions, ring the base of the rock. While at the site, you’ll also visit the world-renowned frescoes of the “Heavenly Maidens” of Sigiriya in a sheltered rock niche approached by a spiral stairway. These frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster and, despite being only 22 of what were some 500 frescoes originally, are in remarkable condition, with colors still glowing brightly.

Note: Access to most of the rock is by stone steps. The final ascent to the top is via a series of metal staircases attached to the walls.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Heritance Kandalama or similar

EDay 5Drive to Kandy

In the morning, set out on a drive to Kandy (approx. 3 hrs), via a spice garden, where you will learn about different spices, including how they are grown and processed. Also, observe a demonstration to learn how the spices are used in traditional medicine of Sri Lankan dishes.

Afterward, continue on to Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Drive around the scenic Kandy Lake, built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasingha, in 1807. Explore the town including its bazaar, the arts and crafts center, a gem museum, and a lapidary as time permits. In the evening attend the Kandy Cultural show, a one hour show featuring traditional dances fire walking over hot coals. This is followed by a sunset ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth, a holy Buddhist temple that houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. You’ll see white-robed pilgrims making offerings to the relic in procession through the temple.

Overnight in Kandy at one of the best available hotels.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Viyana Boutique Hotel Kandy or similar

FDay 6Kandy Gardens & Temples

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll set off for the highly regarded Perandenya Botanical Gardens, famous for its orchid collection. Perandenya dates back to the 14th century during the reign of King Wickramabahu III and formerly established in 1843. Its a great place to take a leisure stroll and admire its more than 4,000 species of plants, flowers, spices, and trees.

Next, visit the three ancient 14th century Buddhist temples just outside of Kandy – Lankatilaka, Embekka, and Gadaladeniya. Lankatilaka Vihara, built by King Bhuvanekabahu IV, is considered to be the most impressive architectural structure built during the Gampola era. Embekka Devalaya was also built during the Gampola Era by King Vikramabahu III. This temple features beautiful carved wooden pillars and a roof in images of swans, eagles, elephants, female dancers, and lotus designs. Gadaladenyia Vihara, also known as Saddharmatilaka or Dharma Kirthi Viharaya, another temple built under the orders of King Bhuvanekabahu IV, is considered to be one of the largest rock temples in Sri Lanka. The architecture style of this temple is Dravidian with Sinhalese and other Indo-Chinese patterns incorporated into the design. During the 18th or 19th century, a tiled Sinhalese roof was added, concealing the flat roof and shikharas.

Return to your hotel in Kandy where you have the rest of the day free to relax, or head back into town to pick up some local items at the market such as handicrafts and paintings by local artists or Batik textiles.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Viyana Boutique Hotel Kandy or similar

GDay 7Nuwara Eliya

Depart for Nuwara Eliya, an old British village known for its location in the heart of tea-growing country, its invigorating mountain climate and scenery, and its quaint hilltop resort atmosphere. Along the way, stop at a tea plantation and tea factory, where it is said the best tea in the world is produced. Upon arriving in Nuwara Eliya, you’ll visit another tea factory and estate to learn all about the country’s tea industry. Sri Lanka’s highest mountain, Pidurutalagala (about 8,300 feet) is also located here. You’ll stay in the town of Nuwara Eliya for dinner and overnight.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Grand Hotel or similar

HDay 8Drive to Galle

After breakfast, you will depart for Galle, which was once the chief port of Ceylon (as Sri Lanka was named by the British), and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was and is still well known for its hand-made lace. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure, either for relaxing at your hotel or exploring on your own.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Galle Fort Hotel or similar

IDay 9Galle

You’ll spend some time exploring Galle including the Galle Fort, which was originally built by the Portuguese and later extended by the Dutch in 1663. The Old Galle Gate at the fort’s entrance bears the mark of the Dutch East India Company and leads to the National Maritime Museum, which contains exhibits of sea life including a whale skeleton and items salvaged from shipwrecks. The Galle National Museum displays exhibits from Sri Lankan artifacts such as ritual masks, wood-carvings, and items from the colonial period. The Galle Lighthouse (Pointe de Galle), the oldest lighthouse in Sri Lanka, sits at the southern edge of the fort. The Japanese Peace Pagoda is a unique Buddhist temple with a deck from where you can enjoy the views of the ocean. Just outside the fort is the Galle International Stadium where cricket matches are played.

Return to your hotel, where the rest of the day is free to do as you like.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Galle Fort Hotel or similar

JDay 10Sea Turtles & Folk Art

Sri Lanka is home to a number of endemic sea turtle species that aren’t found anywhere else in the world. Today, at the Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery in Habaraduwa, you’ll get up close and personal with some of these majestic creatures. The turtle farm breeds, releases, and rehabilitates sea turtles of all ages. Tour the sanctuary with one of their knowledgeable guides, who will teach you about the turtles. You may also even have the opportunity to hold and, with some luck, release the turtles into the ocean!

Afterwards, visit the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum, which includes the house where respected Sinhalese author Martin Wickramasinghe (1890–1976) was born. Exhibits are well displayed, with information in English, and with a good section on dance (including costumes and instruments), puppets, kolam (masked dance-drama) masks, carriages, and Buddhist artifacts. This is a great way to learn about Sri Lankan folk culture and the life of Martin Wickramasinghe. The Hall of Life tells the story of Wickramasinghe’s life through photographs, awards, and souvenirs.

Return to your hotel in Galle for your final night.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Galle Fort Hotel or similar

KDay 11Depart Sri Lanka

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in Colombo for your flight home (approx. 2.5 hrs), or perhaps onward for more adventures in this fascinating corner of the world. If your schedule permits, ask us for suggestions on extending your trip such as a few days of rest and relaxation on one of Sri Lanka’s west coast beaches.

Rates Per Person - 2019

Group size 2-3

$3,900

Group size 4-5

$3,000

Group size 6+

$2,600

Single Supplement Icon/Info CopyCreated with Sketch.

+ $1,300

Need to Know

Pricing and Payment

Reservations are accepted and confirmed after we receive a non-refundable booking deposit and a Reservation Form signed by each adult on the trip as well as by the guardian for each child on the trip, and if space is available. For most group departures, the booking deposit is $500 per person per trip, though for some trips it may be more, as noted in the trip description.

The minimum booking deposit requirement for custom trips is $800 per person, and this deposit is non-refundable. A trip-planning fee of $250 per itinerary is also charged to cover costs of preparing itinerary proposals for custom trips. This fee is credited to the cost of the trip, but is nonrefundable if you do not take the trip. Custom travel during holiday seasons may require a deposit prior to trip confirmation.

An invoice for the total estimated cost of your itinerary will be sent with your reservation confirmation. For both group departures and custom trips, a second deposit of $1,000 per person is due 120 days prior to departure or at the time of booking for reservations made fewer than 120 days before departure. The balance as shown on your invoice is due 60 days prior to departure regardless of whether extensions or other arrangements are pending. Although we do our best to avoid increasing prices after we receive your deposit, in some cases it may be necessary to adjust pricing even after we receive payment to allow for changes in group size, rooming status, currency exchange rate fluctuations, fuel surcharges and other circumstances attendant to international travel. Late payments may jeopardize confirmation of your itinerary and in some cases may result in additional fees. If we have not received final payment 30 days prior to departure your reservation may be canceled and subject to our Cancellation & Refund Policy stated below.

We accept payments by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check drawn on a U.S. bank account. Payment for airfare is required at the time of ticketing. Discounts that may be available for some trips are not available toward bookings made through travel agencies.

Late Signups

Early reservations are encouraged! Some trips and flights fill several months before departure. We can confirm your space on a trip once we receive your deposit and signed Reservation Form. We try, but cannot guarantee, to accept late signups. In the event that we are able to accept reservations fewer than 60 days before a trip departure, additional fees may apply to cover administrative costs necessary to expedite your reservation confirmation and transmit your departure materials. For reservations made fewer than 60 days before departure, full payment will be due at the time of booking.

Cancellations & Refunds

If you must cancel before departure, you may request a refund according to the following schedule. Some trips require additional non-refundable payments as noted in the trip description or in the trip itinerary.

Days Prior to Departure

Cancellation Penalty

90 or more

Non-refundable booking deposit and trip planning fee, if applicable

45-89

30% of total land costs

31-44

75% of total land costs

0-30

100% of total land costs

Please note: cancellation of airfare, other transit, and lodging is subject to the policies of the individual carriers or providers and are not included in the schedule above. Additional cancellation fees are the responsibility of the traveler. We strongly recommend that all travelers purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for trip cancellation or interruption which may reimburse you for cancellation penalties and extra trip expenses should a circumstance covered by the policy force you to cancel or interrupt your trip.

Departure is defined as the date on which travelers will leave their home state, province or city, or the trip departure date as indicated on the trip itinerary, whichever comes first. Cancelation date will be considered the date that we receive written notification of your intent to cancel.

Payments due at the time of cancellation remain the responsibility of the client. No partial refunds are possible for unused hotel rooms, air or land travel, trekking days, or other sight-seeing arrangements included in the land cost.

In the event Journeys International cancels a trip, for any reason, all money for services described in the trip description, less airline ticket cancellation fees, will be refunded.

Air Fares

We can help you to secure air travel arrangements to correspond with land travel booked through Journeys International. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. Journeys International may charge a ticketing fee for this service. For group departures, if you prefer to fly on dates other than those listed as trip dates, or if you arrive at your destination other than at the group arrival time, then you may incur an additional fee to cover the separate transfer, contingency, and coordination costs which frequently arise from arrival and departure on flights different from our regular bookings. We will let you know about these fees ahead of time, if they apply. If you must change your air routing after ticketing, there is a charge of $50 per change, in addition to change or cancellation charges levied by the airline.

If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we can help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times.

Transfers Between Trips

You may transfer between some trips upon written request. More than 90 days before departure, the deposit transfer fee is $100 per person plus any cancellation fees charged by hotels or ground service providers. Less than 90 days before departure, full cancellation penalties from the original trip apply. In the event that Journeys International cancels a trip, you may transfer the full amount of your land payments to another trip without penalty.

Expenses Covered

Normally, our stated land costs include the cost of all guides, leaders, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, food and entry fees as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the planned itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but, rarely, factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.

Expenses Not Covered

Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in itineraries; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.

If a trip must be extended or an itinerary modified due to weather, road conditions, labor interruption, lack of transportation, political or civil disputes, medical emergency, or other causes beyond our control, then the traveler may incur additional costs that are not included in the trip price. We strongly recommend that all travelers obtain travel insurance to cover these risks.

Group-Sized Pricing & Group Minimums

Many trips are guaranteed to depart at prices published on our website with as few as two participants. However, in some cases it is necessary to adjust prices to reflect smaller group sizes. We do everything we can to make a trip operate as planned even with a single participant. Additional costs for small groups amounts vary from trip to trip. Final decision to cancel a trip due to insufficient signups is made 30 days prior to departure.

Pre-Departure Services

We look forward to working with you! After we receive your deposit we will send you a pre-departure information packet containing things like medical and immunization information, visa and other permit forms, a recommendation for travel insurance, packing checklist, reading list, cross-cultural information, and an initial invoice for the balance due. If you would like, we can also book your extended land travel arrangements for before and after your trip. About 2-3 weeks before departure, we will send you a final departure packet including last minute reminders and local contact information for your destination. We send some of our materials by mail, so if you are leaving home before the scheduled trip departure date, please let us know how we can best reach you so that you will receive your materials prior to your departure.

Please call our office at any time if you have questions about your trip or for additional information.

Lodging Accommodations

Lodging accommodations are usually double occupancy in hotel rooms, tents, or other facilities as described or noted in trip itineraries. Please contact our office to discuss pricing and availability of alternative accommodations. We try to honor specific requests for lodging, but in some cases we may have to book and confirm equivalent standard accommodations. If you are traveling alone but would prefer a roommate, then let us know! We are often able to match solo travelers. If a roommate is not available or if you prefer single accommodation, then you must pay the Single Supplement, if one applies. On some trips, it is not possible to guarantee single accommodations.

Fitness to Travel

Good physical and mental health are essential for the enjoyment of Journeys International’s trips. In many cases participants travel in rugged areas remote from modern medical facilities. Good physical conditioning is recommended as preparation for all trips, especially those involving trekking. Most trips require some walking. By paying the booking deposit and signing the Reservation Form, the traveler certifies that he/she is fit for rigorous travel and does not have any physical, mental, or other condition that would create a hazard for him/herself or other travelers. It is essential that any participant with a medical condition requiring regular treatment or which may be affected by vigorous activity, prolonged travel, high altitude, heat, cold, natural phenomena, or particular foods, notify Journeys International in writing prior to booking.

We assume no responsibility for medical care and we cannot guarantee meeting special dietary requirements or vegetarian needs. Participants may be required to furnish a physician’s statement of good health. Journeys International’s or the individual trip leader’s or guide’s judgment shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual’s fitness to embark upon, or to continue, a trip. Journeys International reserves the right to refuse reservations or deny participation prior to departure of anyone whom it deems unsuitable for a trip. Once a trip has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy for the duration of their trip. Proof of such coverage may be requested.

Duration 11 Days

The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost.

Group Size 2 - 12

The stated range indicates minimum required for guaranteed departure and maximum accepted on the scheduled dates. Exceptions can often be made for private departures.

Comfort Level

Superior

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Superior boutique hotels

Activity Level

Active

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Optional hiking

Why Journeys International

Our purpose is to understand the journey you are on – not just the vacation you want to take – and to help you on your way.

We are here to help you plan the trip that will move you closer to your goals and help you fulfill your dreams.

We are here to help you plan a more inspiring, more provocative, more breathtaking, more transformational adventure.

We say “adventure” and not “trip” because, for us, a trip is just going someplace else, but an adventure is an experience that takes you someplace beyond your comfort zone – and therefore maximizes the potential for wonder, discovery, and potentially transformation.

Why trust Journeys to plan that kind of experience with you?

Journeys is an award-winning industry-leader with more than 40 years in business planning creative and thoughtful adventures in interesting places around the world

Our staff is professional and devoted, with adventure specialists in Ann Arbor and guides in the field who take pride in traveler satisfaction; many stay with us for decades

Our Ecological Code of Ethics has long stood as a model for others, and our Earth Preservation Fund puts our money where our mouth is

We go to the farthest corners of the earth – you’ll see some pretty remote destinations on our list, and if you want to challenge us with something new, we’ll likely be willing (though we’ll make sure you know if we’ve never experienced it firsthand)

We’re real people like you, starting with the real person who will answer the phone, right through the owner, Robin Pollak, who you can talk to any time you want (or even her parents, Joan & Will Weber, who started the company!)

We ask lots of questions and get to know you as well as possible to we can design the best experience for YOU

Your unique itinerary includes sites, accommodations, activities, and meetings with people hand selected for personal goals, passions, interests and abilities

Your personal adventure specialist stays with you from trip planning through departure to answer all your questions – promptly – and make sure every detail is handled so you are well prepared for your trip

Our partners on the ground in your destination will welcome you as a friend of a friend; we’ve been working with many of them for ages

We’re open and clear, and offer a complete picture of what you can expect while traveling. We don’t want to make an easy sale; we want to make an honest one.

24-hour emergency phone support while traveling

We’ll be excited to hear about the trip when you get back, and take all feedback seriously

Our travelers come back again and again, for five, ten, or more adventures — and they trust us enough to send their friends to us, too

Superior

Deluxe

Uncommon

The most indulgent accommodations arranged specially for private trips.

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Single Supplement

The single supplement is applicable if a roommate is not available or if single accommodation is specifically requested. While single accommodation is not available on all trips, we will try and honor this request whenever possible.